We’re excited to receive applications from passionate groups that work in innovative ways to increase participation in the outdoors and to protect our environment.

Before applying, organisations must meet these initial criteria:

1. Be a not-for-profit, social enterprise or community group

2. Be based and operate in AU or NZ. Projects outside AU or NZ do not qualify.

3. See FAQ for types of projects which are prohibited from applying.

A total of $25,000 is available for funding through our open grant process. Applicants may apply for up to $10,000 in grant funding and a minimum of $5,000. In rare cases, The North Face may award more than $10,000 to specific projects. Whether grants are awarded and the amounts of any such awarded grants are within the sole discretion of The North Face.

1. IMPACT

How well does the program:

• Create new and innovative approaches to participation, access, and/or environmental protection.

• Invite underrepresented and/or underserved communities to participate in the outdoors.

• Show a positive benefit to participants and/or the environment in tangible, measurable ways.

• Provide opportunities for future or reoccurring outdoor and/or environmental stewardship opportunities.

• Demonstrate a history of working with their target audience.

2. VALUES

How clearly does the program:

• Welcome underrepresented communities to the outdoors.

• Encourage responsible participation in the outdoors.

• Focus on providing the community being served with opportunities for reflection and deeper connection with outdoor activity and/or environmental work.

• Show authenticity in executing their work.

• Align with the spirit of exploration and activities supported by The North Face.

• Show awareness and respect for the traditional owners and custodians of the lands on which they meet.

3. DESIGN

How well does the application and proposed project:

• Clearly define its plan and goals.

• Differentiate itself from other programs or programs in its geographic region.

• Have a plan for outreach to their target community.

• Staff their program appropriately.

• Provide a detailed and appropriate budget.

Factors such as geographic diversity of applicants are taken into consideration when making funding decisions. See the FAQ for additional details.

• Be clear and concise. State your program’s objectives and activities at the beginning of your application. Please be clear about the activities your participants are involved with.

• Describe your participants. Demonstrate that you have a clear understanding of the needs of your participants.

• Avoid generalities. In the limited space for your project descriptions, please be careful to not make general statements as to why getting outdoors or protecting the environment is important. Successful applicants use descriptive writing that tells a clear story. Additionally, including quotes from participants and news articles do not necessarily make for a better application.

• Show impact. Share how your program has affected participants in the short and long term. When possible, use quantitative data or member testimonies to show impact.

• Share how your program is unique. The more you can differentiate and show successful outcomes, the better.

• Describe any relationships with Traditional Owners your community engages with. If your community does not currently engage with Traditional Owners, how do you propose to show your commitment in the future?

• Address the main criteria in a maximum of 3 pages. Application submissions can be made in the following formats - written document (3 pages), video (up to 3 minutes), or verbally as a voice recording or phone call.